Civil War Facts

Approximately 40% of the U.S. paper currency in circulation was counterfeit by the end of the Civil War.

During the Civil War, the United States issued 5-cent paper bills because people were hoarding coins made of precious metals.

Acorns were used as a coffee substitute during the American Civil War.

Old Abe was a real bald eagle who fought in the Civil War. He rode into more than 30 battles with the 8th Wisconsin Infantry. He perched on a custom shield and screamed over the gunfire. Confederate soldiers were ordered to shoot him down. He made it through every battle and went home to Wisconsin. Today his profile rides on the shoulder of every 101st Airborne soldier.